Undercover Debutante: The Search for my Birth Parents and a Bald Husband

by Charlotte Laws

“Never underestimate a former Buckhead debutante.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Charlotte Laws is a woman of a thousand faces.” Sábado magazine

“I didn’t realize quite how brave Charlotte is until I see her in action.” The Guardian

Dr. Charlotte Laws—“the most well-known unknown”—is a TV star, best-selling author, and world-renowned advocate for women, animals, and the LGBTQ community. NBC News calls her a “crusader.” BuzzFeed voted her one of the 30 fiercest women in the world, and MSNBC labels her a “hero.”

But who is this former Atlanta debutante who gave up riches for hardship, who gave up security to become a penniless single mom with an assault rifle pointed at her bed?

Undercover Debutante is a memoir about Laws’s young adult years in Los Angeles. Her adoptive dad was the Captain Hook of her existence, always ready to take a verbal swipe at her. Laws searched for her birth parents and learned that the dark world of devil worship had touched her family tree. She worked as a maid, go-go dancer, and private eye. She was held at gunpoint by one man and almost killed by another. She faced romantic heartbreak and sexual infidelity, dating an “unindicted co-conspirator” and a clinically insane psychologist. She even had a crush on a dead guy.

There were celebrity adventures as well. She crashed star-studded award shows and private parties. She finagled past Secret Service. More than once. She interviewed the president and went on the worst date of her life with a well-known sex symbol who later died from drug abuse.

Did she ever marry? Did she meet her birth parents? Did she learn what matters in life? What’s the true story of America’s most endearing rebel?

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2019

Reviews

[ASbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an autographed copy of this book at a signing event. Dr. Charlotte Laws is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read all of her books except some of her academic ones. Undercover Debutante is so well written and kept my interest. It tells the story of Charlotte’s youth while surviving in LA and trying to find her biological family. It has an episodic feel because she goes from one (usually) insanely funny incident to the next. I like this writing style because it definitely keeps the reader’s interest. The content has a philosophical bent and Charlotte brings in her animal activism (which she is known for nationally-speaking). I also really liked reading about her celebrity encounters and celebrity relationships although about half of these are not big stars today. They are people who were famous twenty – thirty years ago. But she was writing about her 20s and 30s, so that is what she had to do. I must admit that these tales about former stars are always hilarious or extremely interesting, so I did not mind that I had to look up some of these people on the Internet. I recommend this book to everyone. Even though the cover is pink, I think males would like this book. 5 stars. I would give more stars if I could.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following the work of Dr. Charlotte Laws for some time and often see her on cable news. So I read this book (along with her last two) and was impressed. This book is her best in my opinion. The other two were very good but this one was amazing. It is ROFL funny. It goes into her life back when she was single and before the became known as the Erin Brokovich of Revenge Porn. You get to see how she became an activist. What started it, how her desire to help others was triggered. Most of her activism was related to helping animals in need and having sympathy for their predicament. The story is centered around her search for family because her upbringing as an adoptee had been devoid of love. The reader feels like she is right there alongside Dr. Laws during her incredible journey. I would give this 10 stars if I could.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put Undercover Debutante down! It is funny and riveting. Very real! It makes you feel like anything is possible no matter what life throws at you. Learning about certain people in Hollywood was fascinating. What I love most is how while you are reading you are becoming aware of the plight of animals in this world. You can see how when a person is down and out they can get themselves out of it because they have a voice but the animals do not have a voice and humans that care have to accept this and cry. This woman gives women who have not taken the conventional route hope that they can do it without a man or their parents biological or not. I love all the messages in this book while being entertained. Great author!! Great book! I will be purchasing all of this authors other books next and reading them!!! I also love the cover with the pearls and sunglasses...very cool!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read this spirited book! You will honestly not be disappointed and I am one hundred percent certain! This book is probably the best autobiography I’ve ever read. The writing is flawless and the descriptions are so eloquently written. The book begins with some back story about Laws’ difficult childhood with a wealthy adopted family who wants her to abide by the debutante ways. She escapes from all of this and ends up experiencing the wildest adventures one can possibly imagine in Los Angeles. She struggles to survive but in a charming and uplifting way. She searches for a husband, has a baby, and seeks out her real parents. You will find yourself on an emotional roller coaster with the author.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to be a harsh critic, but my goodness, I most certainly enjoyed this memoir. The subject matter of being raised as an adopted child and then searching for one’s real family is always fascinating. But this author is not your typical author. She uses colorful language and point-on descriptions. Her writing is impeccable. I see her on cable news all the time talking politics so it is doubly interesting to find out about her earlier years. She will be holding book events at Barnes & Nobles around the country but unfortunately she won’t be in my area. I hope to meet her in person with her next book and say “job well done!” Undercover Debutante is the best memoir I’ve ever set eyes on. You should get a copy if you ask me.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the memoirs I’ve ever read and I have read many throughout the years. Many memoirs are depressing and slow. This one is the opposite. Undercover Debutante moves fast and is frankly hilarious. There are, of course, poignant, deep, and insightful moments, but the author does not get weepy and woeful about petty things. (thank goodness!). The author’s life is atypical. I loved that her brain does not work like the rest of us. She is an upbeat person, assertive in going after her dreams, and talented at making them happen. She also has a heart, putting energy into helping those who are on the outskirts of society. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorry - but I did not finish this book. Maybe I expected something else but the story of a woman who has me many stars and mentions more than once that she lived with Tom Jones for three years?
Actually I gave up after only reading 25%...

[Sandy Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious book and so many adventures for one person! This memoir tells about the author's life after she moves to Los Angeles with only $500. She has to survive and starts out as a maid. She has taught herself how to party crash and meets with all sorts of VIPs and celebrities - some who give her acting roles and buy her beaded gowns (she is creating and selling beaded clothes). She becomes a private investigator and even dances in a go-go club. But the heart of the book is her attempt to track down her birth family. She was put up for adoption at birth. She also looks for a husband. Her antics and adventures are extremely funny, and I think anyone would love this book. Every page made me laugh out loud. I highly recommend this book.

[Christina Fanelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

resting start. Entrepreneur, investigating, author trying to survive while she publishes her book.

But then it crashes. People don't become that successful off one book, would have tried harder

[Katie Junction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious. It got a great Kirkus review so that is why I bought it. I was not disappointed. It's the best memoir I have ever read.

[Kanell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this bright pink book from Barnes & Noble a few days ago. I finished it quickly because it is a page-turner. I was especially engrossed when the author told the story of her sexual assault in Las Vegas. It was hard to read this section because it was so devastating. There are other edge-of-your-seat incidents, such as when a crazed guy broke into her apartment with a rifle. The author’s story-telling is spot-on perfect. Every chapter is fluid and entertaining. Most of the book is extremely funny, so if you are looking for a comedy book instead of a memoir, you won’t be disappointed. This book has bestseller written all over its bright pink cover.

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Debutante is much more than a memoir. It should be listed under “humor” or “comedy” because it is THAT funny! The writing is snappy, and there’s wonderful imagery. The plot is about the author’s search for her natural parents who gave her up at birth. But the storyline is more than that: it also includes her search for career, success, happiness, and a husband despite the fact that (as she says) “commitment-phones are more common in LA than suntans.” The author is always at odds with her money-obsessed, adoptive father who wants her to act more like the debutante she is. The book is rollicking good fun. I truly loved it.

[Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly penned. Although it is a pink cover, as Charlotte Laws states “real men read pink books.” I am a real man and was drawn into the descriptions, imagery, playfulness, and outright comedy. This memoir runs through Charlotte’s life beginning in her twenties. It is anything but dull and the details of her entanglements are hypnotizing. In addition to the black comedy that exists in spades, Charlotte highlights how aiding others is what brings happiness in life. “Others” for her includes humans and animals. In fact, she reveals some of her animal rights work, such as when she helps rescue pigeons from a boarded-up house. Everyone should read this book. You won’t be disappointed.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Laws is probably my favorite author and I'll be going to her book event at B & N in Los Angeles this weekend. I am so excited that I will be able to get my copy of Undercover Debutante signed. This book put me in a happy mood. It lifted my spirits and I have been down since my father's passing. Charlotte has lived one of the most interesting lives and it was invigorating reading about it. The writing in this book is superb (even better than her other books). It flows. It is almost like she is a poet. I think this book could go down in history as a "classic." It is THAT good.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing! I cannot believe how amazing this book is! I rarely read (or enjoy) memoirs, but this one is unusual. First the author’s life is nothing short of fascinating. There are her encounters with A-list stars… men with guns…. her verbally abusive dad (adopted). Her friends are quite the unusual lot as well. It is almost written in the style of discreet stories rather than one full-blown book . Whatever she does, it works! It kept me interested until the last page

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Charlotte Laws for some time. She has helped many victims of revenge porn. I also really like her books. Undercover Debutante is my favorite. It is super funny and engaging. I am very interested in the search for birth family aspect because I am also adopted. I have never looked for my mother. Laws gives me the inspiration to start the search. I think everyone will love this heartfelt book that offers tons of laughs.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book. It's the best writing I've ever come across. And the humor is dark and deeply fun. The writer tells about her early years in Los Angeles (twenties and on). She is quite a character doing things most of us dream about but lack the bravery to try. Her middle name should be "Chutspah." If you want to read about a full and adventuresome life, this is the book for you. Plus you will not be able to stop laughing.

[Alexis Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite memoirs to date. If you like darker humor and a relatable narrator, then this is for you. Charlotte Laws has a witty and engaging writing style that draws the reader in from the start.

[Mrs K Kanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting and hilarious memoir, should be on NY Times bestseller list. Maybe it is????

[Elaine Cromwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly written story that I really enjoyed. It was humorous, entertaining and a page-turner. What's not to like about a book like this one? FIVE STARS all the way!

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly the funniest book I've ever read. Is the author a professional comedian? She should be. Story moves quickly, is uplifting and a great deal of fun. I highly recommend this amazing memoir.